The Australian Senate has passed a landmark legislation that will make it illegal for children under 16 to create social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The government has agreed to pass the bill, despite concerns from critics that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. The bill also includes privacy protections to prevent platforms from requiring government-issued identification or digital identification through government systems. While the House of Representatives still needs to approve amendments made in the Senate, the ban is expected to be enforced within a year, with hefty fines for platforms that fail to comply.
In a groundbreaking move, the Australian Senate has passed legislation that will prohibit children under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The bill garnered significant support from the government, despite concerns from critics.
Social media use among young Australians has been a growing concern in recent years. Studies have shown that excessive social media usage can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and addiction.
The Australian government has been considering legislation to address these concerns for some time. In 2021, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched an inquiry into the impact of social media on children.
The new legislation, known as the Social Media Protection Act 2023, contains several key provisions:
Despite the government's support for the bill, some critics have expressed concerns. They argue that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. For instance, children who are experiencing bullying or mental health issues may rely on social media to connect with others and access information.
The bill has now passed the Senate and will proceed to the House of Representatives for its consideration. If approved by the House, the legislation is expected to be enforced within a year.
1. Why is the Australian government implementing this ban?
To address concerns about the negative impacts of social media on children, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and addiction.
2. Which social media platforms will be affected by the ban?
Platforms that are intended for users over the age of 16, such as TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat.
3. How will platforms verify the age of users?
Platforms will be required to develop methods to verify the age of users before allowing them to create an account. This may involve requesting a government-issued identification document or using other age verification methods.
4. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Platforms that fail to comply with the legislation could face substantial fines.
5. When will the ban go into effect?
The ban is expected to be enforced within a year, pending the approval of the House of Representatives.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
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The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.